BORIS Johnson today admitted “too many elderly people” are ending up in hospital with Covid as he warned Britain faces a “tough winter”.
The PM urged more people to come forward for their booster jabs saying the UK has “got to get those numbers up” to avoid “excessive” pressure on the NHS.
Speaking during a visit to Hexham General Hospital in Northumberland, he said the top up shot rollout is the “single most important” task for ministers.
He said: “Unfortunately what you’ve got at the moment is a situation in which the waning of the original two jabs is starting to see too many elderly people getting into hospital.
“Sadly the jabs do wane, we’ve done 10 million booster jabs already and it’s a very effective thing, it’s a wonderful thing people, get 95% more protection.
“The most important thing we can do for our country today if we want to protect our NHS, if we want to make sure we don’t have excessive pressures on A&E over what promises to be a tough winter, is to all get our booster jabs when we’re called.”
The PM said that 70% of over-80s and 73% of 75-79-year-olds have currently come forward for the third dose.
He added: “We’ve got to get those numbers up and I think most people will understand why that’s so important.
“I’m focussing on getting the booster jabs rolled out for the people of this country.”
Cases falling
His remarks come after Britain recorded its lowest lowest daily figure for new infections in five weeks.
A further 30,305 people tested positive yesterday – the lowest since October 2, when 30,301 cases were recorded.
Meanwhile, a further 62 people died, the smallest figure recorded all week.
Saturday marked a triumphant day for Britain’s monumental vaccine drive, as 409,663 booster jabs were dished out in just 24 hours.
From today, Brits can book their Covid booster jab a month before they were previously eligible.
The system has been changed to make sure everyone with waning protection against Covid is topped up as soon as possible.
The NHS is now allowing people to pre-book their booster five months after their second jab.
Before, someone could only book an appointment at six months, which has been slowing the process down.
Boosters are at the centre of the Government’s plan to keep Covid hospitalisations and pressure on the NHS down during a “challenging winter”.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Covid-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your family ahead of a challenging winter and this change to the booking system will make it as easy as possible for people to book their booster jabs.
“This will accelerate the booster programme, ensure the NHS is able to vaccinate people as quickly as possible, and importantly help more people maintain protection against Covid-19 as we know immunity will dip over time.
“Please do not delay – come and get the jab to keep the virus at bay.”
